When it comes to children's eyewear, safety and durability are top priorities. At Glens Falls Vision Care, we’re often asked two important questions by parents:
- What lens material is safest for children’s glasses?
- Can screen time damage my child’s eyes?
Let’s explore both—straight from our team’s real patient conversations.
Why Polycarbonate Lenses Are the Best for Kids
For children, polycarbonate lenses are the top choice, and often required by law in many states for minors. These lenses are:
- Shatter-resistant, offering essential eye protection
- Lightweight, making them more comfortable for all-day wear
- UV-protective, helping to shield developing eyes from harmful rays
They’re especially important for active children, whether playing sports or roughhousing at school. Without polycarbonate lenses, kids risk injury from broken glass in accidents or falls.
What Screen Time Does to Your Child’s Eyes
Parents are also increasingly concerned about screen time, and rightly so. Excessive use of digital devices can lead to several visual health concerns in children.
One effective strategy to minimize screen-related strain is the 20-20-20 rule:
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Common issues linked to heavy screen use include:
- Digital eye strain: fatigue, headaches, and dry eyes
- Myopia (nearsightedness): linked to long hours of close-up tasks
- Sleep disruption: due to blue light exposure near bedtime
While blue light lenses are optional, reducing screen time before bed can make a big difference in sleep and comfort.
Tips for Parents: Protecting Your Child’s Vision
Here are a few doctor-approved ways to protect your child’s eyes every day:
- Choose polycarbonate lenses for all glasses
- Encourage outdoor play to balance screen use
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule for screen breaks
- Keep devices at least 18–24 inches from your eyes
- Avoid screen use at least 1 hour before bed
If you’re especially concerned about blue light, ask us about blue light filtering lenses—an optional add-on we can discuss during your child’s exam.
Ready for New Glasses or a Vision Check in Queensbury?
Whether your child needs new glasses or you’re noticing symptoms of screen-related eye strain, our pediatric eye care team at Glens Falls Vision Care in Queensbury is here to help.
We’ll make sure your child’s lenses are safe, their screen habits are healthy, and their vision is developing on track.
Book an appointment today or stop in to browse our selection of kid-friendly frames and lenses.